MATERNITY CARE

The Doctors and Midwife share the ante-natal care of patients. Antenatal Clinics are held at the Evergeen Children's Centre, Malvern (Tel: 577289). The Doctors will see you in ordinary Surgery appointments, please book these in the usual way via reception. If you wish to consider a home delivery please discuss it with your Midwife so the necessary arrangements can be made.

If you wish to speak to a Midwife between 8.30 - 10.00am, please telephone 01684 577664 (The Sunshine Children's Centre). There is an answer phone facility after this time for NON URGENT messages - messages left on the telephone will not be picked up until the following morning.

The Practice Nurses are trained in Family Planning and will be pleased to see you for your routine checks:

Providing you are happy with your current method and have no problems.

If you are undecided and wish to discuss the different methods of contraception available.

If you are planning a pregnancy, to discuss with you and your partner preconceptual health issues.

MINOR SURGERY

Various minor operations are performed by the doctors at the Medical Centre including cryotherapy (freezing) to remove warts.

HEALTH PROMOTION

We believe strongly in health promotion.

The Practice Nurses are trained in health promotion and will be glad to offer you advice. They will concentrate on blood pressure, diet, weight, smoking, alcohol consumption, exercise and healthy living. Blood tests for cholesterol will be performed where appropriate.

NEW PATIENTS

All new patients are invited to attend an appointment with the Practice Nurse for a Health Check. This enables us to assess your health needs and update your records.

CERVICAL CYTOLOGY

The PCT now administers the smear recall program. They will write to you when your smear is due, asking you to make an appointment. When this happens, please book in with the Practice Nurse or a female GP for the mid part of your cycle. They will also write to you with the result.

ASTHMA CLINIC

It is recommended that all patients with asthma have regular reviews. One of our Nurses has special training in managing asthma and runs this clinic. A yearly review is recommended.

DIABETIC CLINIC

It is recommended that all diabetics have regular reviews. Our Nurse has special training in diabetes management and if you have diabetes you will receive regular invitations to attend. One of these appointments each year will be your annual check with the Nurse. Annual retinal photography is advised.

CHILD HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

A programme of regular assessments of your child's health and development is run by the Doctor and Health Visitor. You will receive notification when these checks are due.

HEALTH VISITOR FOR CHILDREN

The Health Visitor for Children is based at Prospect View (Tel: 01684 612662).

Non-NHS Services

Some services are not covered by the NHS and a charge will be made.

These include:

Private Sickness Certificates, (NHS Certificates can only be issued after 1 week's absence, employers should accept a self certification form but may require a private sick note)

Insurance, Driving, Sports and School Medicals

Claim forms for insurance companies requiring medical information

Passport and driving licence signatures

Some prescriptions for foreign travel. Please ask at reception for advice on current fees.

Travel Vaccinations

If you require any vaccinations relating to foreign travel you will need to make an appointment with the practice nurse to discuss your travel arrangements. This will include which countries and areas within countries that you are visiting, to determine what vaccinations are required.

Travel forms are available from Reception and need to be completed before an appointment can be made with the Practice Nurse.

It is important to make the initial appointment as early as possible - at least 6 weeks before you travel - as a second appointment will be required with the practice nurse to actually receive the vaccinations. These vaccines have to be ordered as they are not a stock vaccine. Your second appointment needs to be at least 2 weeks before you travel to allow the vaccines to work.

Sickness Certificates

You do not require a doctor's sickness certificate for any illness lasting seven days or less. Your employer may however require you to complete a self-certification form (SC2) which is available from your employer or on the HMRC website.

For any illness lasting longer than seven days you will need to see the doctor for him/her to issue a sickness certificate (F.med3) and for any subsequent renewal of the certificate. If your employer insists on a sickness certificate for 7 days or less a charge will be levied.